Release of Halifax violent sex offender angers N.B. status of women council

A decision to grant day parole to a violent sex offender who served only two years of a seven-year sentence is being criticized by the province's Advisory Council on the Status of Women.

"It's absolutely not appropriate," said council chair Ginette Petitpas-Taylor. "If we want to prevent this type of situation from occurring, we have to send the message loud and clear that the courts and justice system are going to react accordingly.

On July 3, 2004, after a day of heavy drinking and smoking marijuana, McAuley offered to escort a young woman he had met earlier that evening to her car.

"She was accosted from behind and brutally assaulted, both physically and sexually," the parole documents state. He broke several bones in her face and she spent three days in hospital.

McAuley also threatened to kill her, the court heard.

"I'm sure she does not feel a sense of security knowing this individual is out," said Petitpas-Taylor, who works in victim services.

LINK: Halifax News